Smartphones have become an indispensable tool in business and life in general. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in an office high-rise building at a big desk, or if you’re at street level selling pastries and coffee in a cafe; smartphones are everywhere, being utilized by virtually everyone. These devices are primarily small computers that are condensed into smaller packaging. It would behoove those companies that are not already doing so, to use them more often by adding some creative touches.

In this post, we’re going to give you a couple of fantastic ideas that will help you transform smartphones into a vital part of your business model.

Making your website fit mobile devices

Many website builders already have their template designs to be viewable on mobile devices, but you’d be surprised at just how many companies still don’t. If your goal is to attract customers to your business website, then you need to keep in mind the importance of making sure that your site reads well on all devices.

Failing to do this will often result in potential customers leaving your website, never to return to check out your services or even buying your products. If people hear about your company for the first time, their immediate reaction will be to look you up on a search engine such as Google. If your website looks unprofessional on a mobile device, then they’re going to think you’re unprofessional in business, creating a terrible first impression.

If you want smartphones and your business model to gel, then you need to realize that mobile web usage has been surpassing desktop usage for some time now. Web designs need to be fluid, and you need to cater to both desktop and smart device users–it’s no longer an afterthought.

Creating a smartphone app for your business

Smartphone apps are all the rage now. Whether it’s gaming, useful software tools or even a flashlight, there are apps that will do all sorts of things to simplify our lives. However, something that has recently become a trend among businesses is the creation of smartphone apps that are an integral part of their business model.

For instance, there are smartphone apps that act as functional replacements for websites. A good example of this is the popular community website Reddit. The website works fine on mobile phones, but the associated application offers more functionality and is an integral part of Reddit’s usability. Other businesses such as fast food locations and restaurants use apps to offer their customers deals such as discount coupons and free items when you use their app.

Creating an app for your business is simple. The entire process can be handled by a reputable company such as Kocomojo, for example. They’ll draw up the plans for your app and also help you program and develop it, but they also offer a drag-and-drop app builder that is perfect for simple apps that contain limited but useful functionality.

The difficult part isn’t in the building of the app, but thinking about how your app connects with your business. If the app is completely unnecessary and unrelated to your company, then it’s going to be a waste of time, money and effort that could’ve been invested in other aspects of the company. Think about it from the perspective of a consumer and ask yourself how you can make your services or products more attractive with the help of a smartphone app.

Making use of QR codes

QR codes, also known as quick response codes, are essentially blocks of information that can be scanned using any smartphone camera. You might find them on leaflets, on advertising boards or even in help manuals. It’s mainly a quick and easy way for companies to link their customers to digital resources without requiring them to type out a long URL.

However, this is just the most basic use of a QR code, and it can be so much more beneficial if companies are willing to invest in a little creativity. A good example of how QR codes can be used as part of a business model is in reward schemes and point cards. For instance, a coffee shop could offer its patrons a reward scheme that is attached to their phones. They open the coffee shop’s personal app (which can be downloaded with a handy QR code), and they can use it to scan QR codes on the paper cups of each purchase they make. This will then add points to the patron’s account, and they can redeem it for a free cup of coffee or other snacks and treats, and this can all be done from the mobile app itself.

This type of technology has been in use in China for a very long time. China has been using smartphones to do everything from paying for meals to parking fees and even exchanging funds between bank accounts. It’s incredibly versatile if the infrastructure allows for it, but it requires you to be creative in its use. With that said, if you’re able to find creative uses for QR codes, then it can speed up transactions and create more convenience for your customers. It has the potential to enhance the customer’s experience significantly, yet few companies are willing to invest their time and resources into adopting it. However, as seen in China’s successful implementation of QR codes, it can be an incredibly useful tool if used correctly.

Like in any aspect of business, creativity, and willingness to stay ahead of one’s competitors are essential goals. Something as simple as combining smartphones and your business model just might be the solution for yours. Good luck!

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